This article shares a detailed firsthand account of applying for the Spain non lucrative visa in New York City, based on a real submission from the Spainguru community in December 2025. The experience highlights the unpredictability of consular procedures, the importance of over-preparation, and the emotional impact of an appointment that did not go as expected. Applicants considering the Spain non lucrative visa through New York City will find valuable insights here, including common issues, frequently asked questions, and community advice from others who have applied at the same location.
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First-Hand Experience: Spain Non Lucrative Visa Application in New York City (December 2025)
“So we just sat for our NLV appointment in NYC (Btw it’s cold!)
It was an interesting and kinda sorta not-positive event. We had all the documents – sworn and translated and apostilled – spending $1,000’s of dollars – and most were thrown back at us – “not needed”
Literally 80% of what we brought – was thrown back at us.
Our marriage was questioned. Some LBGT inquiries about our marriage. My early retirement and home sale was questioned. Lots of very weird random questions – all posed with an attitude.
We had our passports given back to us (which I found odd – I thought they would take them) and was told to just “wait” up to 3 months and then come back to NYC when the decision is made.
Overall – not the best ending to 7 months worth of documentation and paperwork. 🤷♂️😞”
Key Insights from This Spain Non Lucrative Visa Experience in New York City
The Spain non lucrative visa process varies significantly between consulates, and New York City is known for being one of the strictest and least predictable. This firsthand experience illustrates several important themes that applicants should understand before attending their appointment.
Consular Requirements May Differ from Expectations
Despite spending thousands on apostilles, sworn translations, and document preparation, the applicant had 80% of documents returned as “not needed.” This is a known pattern at New York City: officers often require less paperwork than other consulates, yet they may also reject applications for seemingly minor omissions. Being over-prepared is still advisable, even if most documents are not used.
Personal and Financial Questions Are Common
The applicant was asked:
• About their marriage
• About early retirement
• About their home sale
• About personal and financial decisions
Applicants in New York City frequently report random and intrusive questioning. This does not necessarily reflect a negative outcome, but rather the officer’s effort to verify financial stability and relationship legitimacy.
Passport Procedures Differ in New York City
Unlike Los Angeles, Houston, Miami, the New York City consulate almost always returns the passport at the appointment. Passport surrender occurs only when the visa has been approved. Many community members confirmed in the comments that this is normal procedure.
Waiting Period: Up to Three Months
The applicant was told to expect a waiting time of up to three months for a decision. Consular processing is not standardized across the United States, and NYC is known for longer timelines. Approval is still very possible even if the appointment feels discouraging.
Emotional Impact of the Experience
The applicant described leaving the appointment feeling deflated, despite having completed seven months of preparation. This emotional reaction is common among NLV applicants, especially at the New York City location where communication style can be abrupt.
Practical Lessons for Applicants Applying for the Spain Non Lucrative Visa in New York City
Document Preparation: Expect the Unexpected
Although the applicant completed extensive translation and apostille work, most documents were rejected. Still, showing up under-prepared risks immediate denial. Community feedback makes clear:
It is safer to bring everything — even if most of it is not used.
Over-Documentation vs. Consulate Preferences
Multiple commenters confirmed that NYC frequently:
• Rejects extensive paperwork
• Asks for only recent bank statements
• Reviews only the first two pages of tax returns
• Wants original apostilles but not necessarily translated versions
Applicants should prepare broadly but be ready for inconsistency.
The Experience Varies by Officer
Many commenters specifically referenced one particular officer with a reputation for:
• Abrupt communication
• Rapid document rejection
• Strict interpretation of requirements
Applicants consistently report different experiences depending on who handles their appointment.
LGBT Married Couples
Several commenters reaffirmed that:
• The bureaucratic system may not be fully modernized
• Forms may not reflect marriage equality
• But Spanish society itself is generally very accepting
This distinction is important: unpleasant appointment behavior does not reflect Spanish cultural attitudes.
Common Questions Answered
Why did the consulate question retirement, home sale, or marriage?
These questions aim to verify financial stability and relationship legitimacy. Early retirement may raise concerns about long-term income, and consulates must ensure applicants have sufficient means.
Why was the passport returned?
New York City does not typically retain passports during processing. Applicants must return in person with their passport once the visa is approved.
Why were translated tax returns rejected?
Community members explained that NYC often only wants:
• The first two pages of tax returns
• Basic income and asset verification
• Not full schedules or fully translated filings
Why were letters of intent returned?
Several commenters indicated that the New York office rarely requests or uses letters of intent, even though many consulates do.
Is the officer’s behavior personal?
Consulate staff often display a businesslike demeanor. Many applicants report similar experiences with the same officer. Outcomes, however, tend to be based on documentation, not personality.
Comments from Other Spainguru Community Members
Community members provided significant additional insight:
• Many confirmed that document rejection is normal in New York City, even though missing one required document leads to denial.
• Several LGBT couples reported that although the system can be outdated, Spain is extremely welcoming once you arrive.
• Some applicants had to return for a second appointment because of unclear instructions at the first one.
• Applicants emphasized that NYC officers often give minimal guidance, making over-preparation even more important.
• One community member received approval after waiting nearly three months, confirming timelines shared during the appointment.
• Others reassured that despite discouraging experiences, most applicants ultimately receive approval if documents are in order.
• Several users stressed the need to ignore the tone of the interview and focus on the objective: providing complete documentation.
• Applicants shared tips about preparing financial documentation, including providing multiple accounts even when one account meets the requirements.
• Some highlighted that translation companies often lack consulate-specific knowledge, leading to unnecessary expenses.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Spain Non Lucrative Visa in New York City
How long does it take to get the Spain non lucrative visa in New York City?
Processing can take up to three months. This is longer than many BLS locations, but consistent with community reports.
Does the New York City consulate retain the passport?
No. It is standard procedure for NYC to return passports at the appointment. You must bring it back once the visa is approved.
How many bank statements are required?
Though some applicants bring 12 months, NYC often keeps only the most recent three months of statements.
Do tax returns need to be translated?
Most NYC applicants report that:
• Only page 1 and 2 of Form 1040 are reviewed
• Translations are often not used
Is the letter of intent required?
Applicants frequently report that NYC returns letters of intent without reviewing them.
Are LGBT marriages accepted?
Yes. Spain fully recognizes same-sex marriage. While individual officers may behave abruptly, applicants report zero discrimination after arriving in Spain.
Is it better to over-prepare?
Yes. Bring everything, even if most documents are rejected. Missing items lead to delays or denial.
Disclaimer
This article is based on personal experience shared by a community member and is intended for informational purposes only. It is not legal advice. For personalised assistance, consult expert immigration lawyers here: https://spainguru.es/services-for-spanish-visas/
